"People do it all the time, just out of
convenience," explains Gloria Dewitt.

It may be convenient but even leaving your
car unattended but running on public or private property such as your home, is
illegal. Many guilty parties say they just can't stand sitting in a cold car.

"It chills you to the bone," says Gloria
Dewitt.

"It's cloth and it's still really
cold," adds Edwards.

"It's like you get in and you're
chattering so bad and you're trying to drive," says Sherri Williams.

The reason the law is in place is simply
because law enforcement want to deter auto theft, and this is an easy target
for criminals to steal the vehicle or items inside.

"There's people desperate out there and
they will break into cars so that's the risk you have to take," adds Simms.

"I think people want to feel like
there's some trust in the neighborhood, where they happen to be for the moment
that they can do that," explains Dewitt.

But there is an exception to the law - remote
startup vehicles. This is simply because this technology allows the car to
remain locked and you have to have the key to put the car into gear.

"It'd be nice, I'd like to have a
startup car," says Williams.

"I have actually looked into it, it's a
couple hundred dollars, but I'm used to it so I'll probably just keep doing
what I'm doing," explains Dewitt.

So what's the damage for warming up your car
while you're nice and toasty inside? Well it's up to the municipality but the
maximum allowable fine is $150 for this minor misdemeanor. But some residents
say they're fine with taking the risk.

"You have to have a warm car to make you
feel like the day is going to be okay," says Edwards.

"You might have to give me a ticket, I'm
sorry give me a ticket because I like it warm," adds Simms.

Cincinnati Police say it is in fact illegal
but fines are rare. Often times they'll simply give someone a warning and give
them a reminder that your vehicle or belongings inside could be stolen much
easier.

A
similar law is in place in Kentucky, but the fines vary depending on the
department. In Indiana, it's up to each individual jurisdiction.